Rosalie J. Jackson

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Rosalie Jean (Hyland) Jackson, 81, of Halifax on September 14, 2014. Born September 8, 1933 on Sebastian Place in Halifax, she was the daughter of the late Jean Hudson Collins and Harold Franklyn Hyland. Rosalie is survived by her loving husband of nearly 58 years, Sidney Lloyd Jackson, formerly of Ingonish, Cape Breton, son of the late Carl Thomas Jackson and Carrie Augusta Roper. She is also survived by two sons, Michael Sidney Jackson and his wife SallyTilton Bushell of Calgary, and Daniel Lloyd Jackson and his wife Jocelyn Dawn MacDonald of Halifax; sister Lillian Emma (Jack) Wicks of Nine Mile River, and brother Paul Francis (Sue) Hyland of Lower Sackville; five grandchildren: Emily Jane, Sarah Rosalie, and Benjamin Carl, all originally of Calgary, and Charlotte Isabel and Flora Caroline of Halifax, plus many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Rosalie was predeceased by three brothers, Harold Ernest (Betty) of Halifax, DonaldWilliam (Maureen) of Lower Sackville, and Robie Kent (in infancy).

In her youth Rosalie found pleasure in playing her piano, dancing, and movie-going, and was handy with knitting, sewing, and embroidery. She had a fine sense of humour, a sharp eye for detail, and a great pride in Nova Scotia which she enjoyed exploring throughout her life. She loved gardening, shopping, and dining out; no lobster was safe within Rosalie’s reach. Above all, Rosalie’s greatest love was her family. She was immensely proud of her two sons and her grandchildren and worked tirelessly to advance their growth, prosperity, and happiness. She placed a great value on learning, and went to great lengths to ensure that her sons received the best possible education. She especially liked to spoil her grandchildren who loved their Nanny beyond measure. For Rosalie and Sid’s 53 years in Fairview she loved decorating their house at Christmas time, much to the delight of her children and grandchildren and the many people who drove down Adelaide Avenue to view their light show. Christmas was her favourite time of year, with preparations starting weeks in advance; her apple pie “factory” was legendary. Summers at the Jackson homestead in Ingonish were joyously spent at the beach, taking her boys on nature hikes, and of courseMike’s birthday bonfires with the whole extended family. After moving to the Berkeley Gladstone in early 2013 she found a vibrant new community life, taking up painting, Bible study, movie nights, bingo, Scrabble, a rediscovered love of handcrafts, and the joys of new friendships.

After graduating from Halifax Vocational High School in 1952, Rosalie’s career included working as a bookkeeper in Halifax for many years, but her true calling was volunteering in service to others. She was a lifelong and active member of Bethany United Church, having met Sid there at Young People’s Group in 1954. She was church secretary for over 7 years, CGIT leader for 12 years, Sunday School teacher for 23 years, and served the 3rd Armdale Cub pack as leader and then treasurer for over 30 years. She was also a teacher and administrator of the church’s Bethel bible study program. She was a firm believer in the potential of young people and instilled in her sons and the boys she led the importance of “doing your best.” Other volunteer activities included fundraising for Fairview Minor Hockey Association, and canvassing and organizing the annual Canadian Cancer Society campaign in Fairview.

Visitation will be held in Cruickshank’s Halifax Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street on Friday September 19 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm. The funeral will be held at 11:00am on Saturday September 20 at Bethany United Church, 7171 Clinton Ave., Halifax, Rev. Vincent Ihasz officiating, with a reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, 6 Bedford Highway, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosalie’s memory may be made to Bethany United Church or the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation. Special thanks to Dr. Laurie Mallery and the team at the Geriatric Assessment Unit, Abbie J. Lane Building, and the staff of the Berkeley Gladstone. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting the websitehttp://www.dignitymemorial.ca/cruikshanks-halifax-funeral-home .

Free of pain at last, Mom may you rest in everlasting peace.